"Together we can realize an AIDS-free generation in Kenya."
Karen Freeman, Mission Director, USAID/Kenya

To mark the occassion of World AIDS Day 2012, USAID Kenya Mission Director, Karen Freeman, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Francis Kimani and the KEMSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Munyu signed an agreement that will provide direct funding to the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) to buy, store and deliver up to $50 million of U.S. Government-funded medical equipment and supplies.

“This agreement marks an important step towards a mutual objective of ensuring country-owned and country-managed medical supply chain systems,” said the Director of Medical Services Dr. Francis Kimani. He said that the Ministry of Medical Services and the Government of Kenya would continue to work with USAID to support the Kenya Medical Supply Agency.

Currently the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency is carrying out direct deliveries of medical commodities to the doorsteps of over 5,000 facilities country wide.  “The KEMSA board shall endeavor to give policy guidance to the management team while upholding good corporate governance and integrity in the execution of the direct funding agreement,”  pledged the Chairman of Kenya Medical Supplies Agency Board, Amb. Solomon Karanja.

The agreement is set to build a strong national supply chain that will in turn reduce the burden of HIV and AIDS on Kenya. The U.S Government has made investments through the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that have put over 580,000 Kenyans on antiretroviral treatment to date and provide counseling and testing services for 5.87 million Kenyans.

Ms. Freeman thanked the Director of Medical Services and his government colleagues for their dedication and hard work. She recognized the millions of Kenyans who have sought HIV testing, counseling, and when needed, treatment.  "Together we can realize an AIDS-free generation in Kenya," said Ms. Freeman.